Baltimore Ravens linebacker and 2011 Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs will reportedly miss the 2012 NFL season after tearing his Achilles tendon playing basketball.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported the news Thursday morning, but apparently another source is not convinced he suffered the injury playing basketball. Schefter reported that Suggs will have surgery next week. Apparently, the Ravens knew about the injury as early as Monday and have been in contact with Suggs about seeing a specialist.

This is absolutely ridiculous and fans in Baltimore have every right to be upset. If Suggs did indeed tear his Achilles while playing basketball, as Schefter reported, the Ravens management is not going to be happy. Professional football players and athletes in general must realize that in the offseason they should be lifting weights and exercising to get their body in shape for the upcoming season. I realize playing basketball is a form of exercise but it is also an easy way to get hurt.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Zack Greinke missed spring training and the first month of the season last year due to a fractured rib he suffered playing basketball. Obviously, that injury is nowhere near as bad as Suggs’ is but the point is athletes who do not play professional basketball should just stay away from the court in the offseason.

Suggs is arguably the best player on a phenomenal defense on a Super Bowl-caliber football team. Now Baltimore has to try and replace him which is basically impossible. The Ravens did draft Courtney Upshaw this year but he was supposed to be playing the outside linebacker position opposite of Suggs. Baltimore can look internally for a replacement but my guess is they will try and see if they can make a trade or sign a free agent, assuming there is still someone good out there. The Ravens’ window to win a Lombardi Trophy is closing fast so they must capitalize this year.

Suggs had 70 tackles, 14.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, two interceptions and six passes defended during his Defensive Player of the Year campaign last season. He was the only player last year to have at least five sacks, five forced fumbles and five passes defended.